Portable bag toss game apparatus for one or more players and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A portable bag toss game apparatus for one or more players and method therefor is disclosed wherein a bag is tossed towards a target board which has four substantially triangular-shaped corner portions having a same color and same point value, and a substantially hexagonal shaped interior portion having a same color and a same point value, and a substantially circular-shaped center portion having a same color and a same point value.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to bag toss games and, more specifically, to a portable bag toss game apparatus and method therefor for one or more players particularly useful for stress relief and physical therapy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many games, such as darts, various carnival games, bag toss games and the like involve throwing objects towards a target. These games often test a person's depth perception, strength, and muscle coordination. These games are also a source of entertainment. To this end, such games are valuable as a means to reduce stress.

[0003] The prior art discloses many games involving a bag or other projectile being thrown at a target. These inventions involve targets of various shapes, sizes and dimensions, each offering an alternative benefit. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,877 issued to Bour discloses a target board formed by two hinged panels and defining an aperture. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,216 issued to Sparacino shows a slanted target board also defining an aperture through which a bag is tossed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,832 issued to Huff discloses a target board defining three apertures through which a bag is thrown. However, much of the prior art target boards define apertures, which makes the manufacture of these boards more complicated. Additionally, target boards which rely on an aperture prevent a successful toss of a bag or other projectile from being knocked out of the way by a subsequent toss. By using an aperture-less target board, a bag toss game provides players with an added challenge. A single player must not only toss with the skill necessary to hit the target, but must also make subsequent tosses which, although aiming for the target, are careful not to knock off the target previous successful tosses. Additionally, when multiple players are playing, one player may try purposefully to use his or her bag to knock his or her opponent's bag off of the target. This added element of the game, which provides additional strategy, enjoyment, and skill cannot be effectively utilized with bag toss games having target boards which define apertures.

[0004] Many of the prior art target boards, both those which do define an aperture and those that do not, provide target areas on the target board which cannot be accurately discerned when the player begins to move beyond several yards from the target. This prevents more advanced players from testing their skill through continuing to increase the distance from where they toss the bag towards the target. Additionally, many of the prior art target boards are either complicated in design or construction, bulky to carry or set-up, not easily portable, or complex in the game's execution.

[0005] A need therefore existed for a portable bag toss game for one or more players having the qualities of easily identifiable target areas, ease of design, construction and use, as well as added, challenging play.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a portable bag toss game for one or more players capable of providing a substantially flat, aperture-less target surface.

[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable bag toss game for one or more players capable of providing target areas easily identifiable from distances of up to ten feet and beyond.

[0008] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a method for playing a bag toss game for one or more players.

[0009] It is yet a still further object of the present invention to provide a method for playing a bag toss game for one or more players of varying skill levels through the use of at least two throw lines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a portable bag toss game apparatus for one or more players is disclosed, comprising, in combination, a substantially square target board having a top surface comprising four substantially triangular-shaped corner portions having a first color and a first point value, a substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion having a second color and a second point value, the substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion defines a substantially circular-shaped center portion having a third color and a third point value, and at least one bag to be projected by the one or more players towards the target board for scoring points when the bag comes to rest on one of the substantially triangular-shaped corner portions and substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion and substantially circular-shaped center portion.

[0011] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for playing a bag toss game for one or more players is disclosed, comprising, in combination, the steps of providing a substantially square target board having a top surface comprising four substantially triangular-shaped corner portions having a first color and a first point value, a substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion having a second color and a second point value, the substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion defines a substantially circular-shaped center portion having a third color and a third point value, providing at least one bag, and projecting the bag towards the target board for scoring points when the bag comes to rest on one of the substantially triangular-shaped corner portions and substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion and substantially circular-shaped center portion.

[0012] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for playing a bag toss game for one or more players of varying skill levels is disclosed, comprising, in combination, the steps of providing a substantially square target board having a top surface comprising four substantially triangular-shaped corner portions having a first color and a first point value, a substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion having a second color and a second point value, the substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion defines a substantially circular-shaped center portion having a third color and a third point value, providing at least one bag, providing a first throw line and at least one additional throw line, the first throw line is for at least one player of less skill and is placed at a distance of approximately six feet from the target, the at least one additional throw line is for at least one player of more skill and is placed more than six feet away from the target, and projecting the bag from behind one of the first throw line and the at least one additional throw line towards the target board for scoring points when the bag comes to rest on one of the substantially triangular-shaped corner portions and substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion and substantially circular-shaped center portion.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the portable bag toss game apparatus for one or more players of the present invention, showing a player projecting a bag towards the target.

[0015]FIG. 2 is a top view of the target board of the portable bag toss game apparatus for one or more players of FIG. 1.

[0016]FIG. 3 is a top view of the bag of the portable bag toss game apparatus for one or more players of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1 reference number 10 refers generally to the preferred embodiment of the portable bag toss game apparatus for one or more players of the present invention. The portable bag toss game apparatus 10 comprises a substantially square target board 12 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0018] Referring now to FIG. 2, the target board 12 has a top surface 14 which comprises four substantially triangular-shaped corner portions 16 having a first color and a first point value. Preferably, the four corner portions 16 are red and have a point value of 1 point. The target board 12 also comprises a substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion 18 having a second color and a second point value. Preferably, the interior portion 18 is white and has a point value of 3 points. The substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion 18 defines a substantially circular-shaped center portion 20 having a third color and a third point value. Preferably, the center portion 20 is blue and has a point value of 5 points. While, in the preferred embodiment, the corner portions 16 are red and have a point value of 1 point, and the interior portion 18 is white and has a point value of 3 points, and the center portion 20 is blue and has a point value of 5 points, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative color scheme and point value system, so long as the four corner portions 16 have a same color and a same point value, and the interior portion 18 has a same color and a same point value and the center portion 20 has a same color and a same point value. For example, an interesting variation of the game might be to place the highest point value on the corner portions 16 and lower point values on the interior portion 18 and the center portion 20.

[0019] In the preferred embodiment, the target board 12 has a length of approximately 12 inches, a width of approximately 12 inches and a thickness of approximately 0.75 inches, although it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the target board 12, so long as it comprises the four substantially triangular-shaped corner portions 16, the substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion 18 and the substantially-circular shaped center portion 20.

[0020] In the preferred embodiment, the first color, the second color and the third color, whichever colors they may be, are comprised of a water-based acrylic paint with sealer to keep the elements of the weather from distorting the ability of the three colors from distinguishing from the four corner portions 16, the interior portion 18 and the center portion 20. It should be clearly understood, however, that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative means of applying colors to the target board 12, such as through the use of an oil-based paint, so long as the -visual separation of the three portions of the target board 12 is maintained.

[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, the portable bag toss game apparatus for one or more players 10 further comprises at least one bag 22. The bag 22 is to be projected by one or more players 24 (shown in FIG. 1) towards the target board 12 for scoring points when the bag 22 comes to rest on one of the substantially triangular-shaped corner portions 16, the substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion 18, and the substantially circular-shaped center portion 20. Preferably, the bag 22 weighs approximately 3 ounces and is comprised of pea gravel, although it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could also be provided from a bag 22 comprised of another material or wherein the weight of the bag 22 deviates, even substantially, from the preferred weight in either direction so long as the bag 22 can be thrown by a player 24 toward the target board 12 with some degree of accuracy.

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1, the portable bag toss game apparatus 10 preferably comprises a throw line 26, behind which the at least one player 24 projects the bag 22 toward the target board 12. The throw line 26 is preferably placed at least six feet from a front portion of the target board 12, although more advanced players may prefer to place the throw line 26 eight feet, ten feet or even further away from a front portion of the target board 12. One variation of the bag toss game allows for more than one throw line 26 to be placed at different distances form the target board 12 when players of varying skill levels wish to compete against one another in the same game. Additionally, using more than one throw line 26 could be advantageous when the portable bag toss game apparatus 10 is used as a way for a player 24 to rehabilitate an injury. For example, a person who may have injured his or her arm previously and is now in the process of re-building strength in that arm may want to use more than one throw line 26 as a way to gradually increase the distance to the target board 12 and thereby gradually increase the muscle strength needed in the arm to get the bag 22 to the target board 12. Although, in the preferred embodiment, the portable bag toss game apparatus 10 comprises a throw line 26, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the portable bag toss game apparatus 10 which lacks a throw line 26, so long as at least one player 24 could still project the bag 22 towards the target board 12. For example, it may be that when introducing small children to the game, the throw line 26 is not necessary since children may need to be standing right next to the target board 12 in order to land a bag 22 on the target board 12 with any accuracy.

Rules of Play

[0023] As mentioned, the portable bag toss game 10 is played by one or more players 24. When two or more players 24 are playing, then each player 24 throws a bag 22 on to the target board 12 to determine which player 24 will go first. The player 24 with the highest point value will go first while lower scoring players will go after the high scorer in order from highest score to lowest score, with the lowest scoring player going last. The bag 22 may be bounced, tossed, thrown, or rolled on to the target board 12. A player 24 must land his or her bag 22 on the target board 12 for a point value at least once out of three turns or else be disqualified from the game. As mentioned, one or more throw lines 26 may be used to distance a player 24 from the target board 12. Preferably, a game for beginners involving a throw line 26 close to the target board 12 will be completed when one player 24 reaches a total point value of 30 points. Preferably, a game for more advanced players 24 involving a throw line 26 relatively far from the target board 12 will be completed when one player 24 reaches a total point value of 50 points. It should be clearly understood, however, that an alternative winning point value for either beginners or advanced players 24 can be agreed upon by the players 24. An advanced version of the game can be played where points are only awarded to a player 24 if the bag 22 lands on the center portion 20. Likewise, variations discussed previously, such as re-assigning point values to the corner portions 16, the interior portion 18 and the center portion 20 are also allowed. If the bag 22 is resting only partially on one of the corner portions 16, the interior portion 18 or the center portion 20 then a point value will be awarded for whichever portion a majority of the bag 22 rests upon.

[0024] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A portable bag toss game apparatus for one or more players comprising, in combination: a substantially square target board having a top surface comprising four substantially triangular-shaped corner portions having a first color and a first point value, a substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion having a second color and a second point value, said substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion defines a substantially circular-shaped center portion having a third color and a third point value; and at least one bag to be projected by said one or more players towards said target board for scoring points when said bag comes to rest on one of said substantially triangular-shaped corner portions and substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion and substantially circular-shaped center portion.
 2. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein said bag weighs approximately 3 ounces.
 3. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein said bag is comprised of pea gravel.
 4. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein said bag is projected by said one or more players towards said target board from a throw line at least approximately six feet from a front portion of said target.
 5. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein said bag is projected by said one or more players towards said target board from a throw line at least approximately eight feet from a front portion of said target.
 6. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein said bag is projected by said one or more players towards said target board from a throw line at least approximately ten feet from a front portion of said target.
 7. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first color and said second color and said third color comprise a water-based acrylic paint with sealer.
 8. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein said substantially square target board has a length of approximately 12 inches and a width of approximately 12 inches and a thickness of approximately 0.75 inches.
 9. A method for playing a bag toss game for one or more players comprising, in combination, the steps of: providing a substantially square target board having a top surface comprising four substantially triangular-shaped corner portions having a first color and a first point value, a substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion having a second color and a second point value, said substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion defines a substantially circular-shaped center portion having a third color and a third point value; providing at least one bag; and projecting said bag towards said target board for scoring points when said bag comes to rest on one of said substantially triangular-shaped corner portions and substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion and substantially circular-shaped center portion.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein said bag weighs approximately 3 ounces.
 11. The method of claim 9 wherein said bag is comprised of pea gravel.
 12. The method of claim 9 wherein said bag is projected by said one or more players towards said target board from a throw line at least approximately six feet from a front portion of said target.
 13. The method of claim 9 wherein said bag is projected by said one or more players towards said target board from a throw line at least approximately eight feet from a front portion of said target.
 14. The method of claim 9 wherein said bag is projected by said one or more players towards said target board from a throw line at least approximately ten feet from a front portion of said target.
 15. The method of claim 9 wherein said first color and said second color and said third color comprise a water-based acrylic paint with sealer.
 16. The method of claim 9 wherein said substantially square target board has a length of approximately 12 inches and a width of approximately 12 inches and a thickness of approximately 0.75 inches.
 17. A method for playing a bag toss game for one or more players of varying skill levels comprising, in combination, the steps of: providing a substantially square target board having a top surface comprising four substantially triangular-shaped corner portions having a first color and a first point value, a substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion having a second color and a second point value, said substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion defines a substantially circular-shaped center portion having a third color and a third point value; providing at least one bag; providing a first throw line and at least one additional throw line, said first throw line is for at least one player of less skill and is placed at a distance of at least approximately six feet from said target, said at least one additional throw line is for at least one player of more skill and is placed more than six feet away from said target; and projecting said bag from behind one of said first throw line and said at least one additional throw line towards said target board for scoring points when said bag comes to rest on one of said substantially triangular-shaped corner portions and substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion and substantially circular-shaped center portion. 